conjunction / preposition
than
THUHN/ðˈæn/
Introduces what something is compared with.
The stack of red blocks is taller than the blue stack.
Etymology
Old English þonne meant “then” and could also mean “when.” Its comparative use may have arisen from ordering two items (“A is bigger, then B”), or from contrasting them in a “when” clause.
In context
more practical than nostalgic.
More examples
- She is taller than I am.
- We spent less than expected.
- I would rather walk than drive.
Forms
than